brother
Meaning: A male sibling; a male who shares one or both parents with another
The noun 'brother' primarily refers to a male who has the same parents as another person (or one parent, for half-brothers). It can also be used figuratively for male members of the same group, organisation, or profession (brothers in arms), or as a form of address among men. In religious contexts, it may refer to a monk or a fellow male church member.
Examples
- My brother is three years older than me. 我哥哥比我大三岁。Mi hermano es tres años mayor que yo.兄は私より3歳年上です。형은 저보다 세 살 위입니다.
- He treats his colleagues like brothers. 他把同事们当兄弟一样对待。Trata a sus colegas como hermanos.彼は同僚を兄弟のように扱います。그는 동료들을 형제처럼 대합니다.
- The brothers inherited the family business together. 兄弟们一起继承了家族企业。Los hermanos heredaron juntos el negocio familiar.兄弟たちは一緒に家業を継ぎました。형제들은 함께 가업을 물려받았습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'broþor', from Proto-Germanic '*brothar', one of the most ancient family terms traceable to Proto-Indo-European '*bhrater'. Cognate with Latin 'frater', Greek 'phrater', and Sanskrit 'bhratar'.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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